External Features

Durable, Weatherproof Enclosure

The Song Meter Mini 2 recorder is designed for long-term, outdoor deployment. Made from durable polycarbonate plastic, it is UV-resistant and weatherproof. The enclosure meets IP67 standards, meaning it can withstand temporary submersion in water up to a depth of one meter without water intrusion. Note that installed acoustic stub mics can be damaged by underwater submersion, though they are protected against rain.

A reusable humidity regulation packet (hidden inside the enclosure) and a moisture vent regulate humidity and pressure inside the enclosure. The vent is protected internally by a membrane that blocks liquid water while allowing water vapor to exit the enclosure.

Figure 1. Front-Left View
Song Meter Mini 2 shown from the front-left with the lid closed. Locations of features are highlighted. The Enclosure Latch is located on the top edge of the recorder. One of two Mounting Loops is located to the left of the Enclosure Latch. An Acoustic Microphone protrudes from the left edge of the recorder, covered by a foam Windscreen. The Enclosure Hinge is located at the lower edge of the recorder.

  1. The Enclosure Latch snaps into place to keep the enclosure sealed.

  2. One of two Mounting Loops, which can accommodate bungee cords, rope, or cable locks up to a diameter of 0.420 in. (10.67 mm). See Versatile Mounting Options.

  3. One Acoustic Microphone is factory-installed. A foam Windscreen reduces recorded wind noise and contributes to weather protection. See Microphones.

  4. The Enclosure Hinge keeps the lid and body of the recorder permanently attached.

Figure 2. Front-Right View
Song Meter Mini 2 shown from the front-right with the lid closed. Locations of features are highlighted. The Padlock Loop is located at the top edge of the recorder, at the right end of the Enclosure Latch. One of two Mounting Loops is located to the right of the Enclosure Latch and Padlock Loop. The second Microphone Port, occupied by a hex bolt, is located at the top of the right edge. A barcode label is below the Microphone Port. Perforations for the Humidity Vent are located at the bottom of the right edge, next to an embossed "VENT" label.

  1. A Padlock Loop allows the enclosure to be locked closed. See Lock Compatibility for padlock size recommendations.

  2. One of two Mounting Loops, which can accommodate bungee cords, rope, or cable locks up to a diameter of 0.420 in. (10.67 mm). See Versatile Mounting Options.

  3. A Microphone Port can accommodate a second acoustic microphone. When no second microphone is installed, the port is occupied by a plastic hex bolt. See Optional Acoustic Microphone Port.

  4. The Barcode Label lists the recorder's Model Name and Serial Number.

    This information is also visible in the Song Meter Configurator app on the Status Screen.

  5. A weatherproof Humidity Vent regulates humidity and pressure inside the enclosure.

Figure 3. Rear View
Song Meter Mini 2 shown from the back with the lid closed. Mounting Tabs are located at the centers of the upper and lower edges of the recorder. A Tripod Mount socket is located on the back of the enclosure, just above center.

  1. The upper and lower Mounting Tabs can accommodate bolts or screws with a maximum thread diameter of 3/16 in. (4.6 mm). They can also serve as attachment points for bungee cords or zip ties.

  2. A Tripod Mount fits a 1/4ʺ-20 bolt, the same specification used by many cameras, including trail cameras.

Versatile Mounting Options

The enclosure of the Song Meter Mini 2 is equipped with attachment points that support a wide range of mounting options:

  • Mounting Tabs at the top and bottom of the enclosure's back can accommodate bolts or screws up to 3/16 in. (4.6 mm) in diameter. They can also be used for attaching bungee cord hooks or zip ties, for example.

  • Mounting Loops at the upper-left and upper-right of the enclosure are suitable for cable locks, rope, zip ties, or bungee cords, among other possibilities. The internal diameter of these loops is 0.420 in. (10.67 mm).

  • The brass Tripod Mount on the back of the enclosure fits a 1/4ʺ-20 bolt, enabling compatibility with many mounting accessories designed for trail cameras. We recommend mounting accessories with brass bolts, as different metals can react with the brass of the mounting insert and corrode when wet.

    Note:

    Be aware that not all camera mounts use the same bolt specification. For example, mounts designed for heavy video cameras may use a 3/8ʺ-16 bolt. Check the manufacturer's specifications when shopping for a compatible mount.

Important:

With any mounting method, be careful not to apply excess force to the enclosure of the Song Meter Mini 2. If too much force is applied, the enclosure can flex, opening gaps between the lid and body and compromising the recorder's weatherproofing.

Take extra care when attaching the recorder to young trees. The tree's growth over the course of a deployment could increase the strain on the enclosure.

Lock Compatibility

The enclosure of the Song Meter Mini 2 is designed to support two layers of security:

A cable lock and padlock can be installed simultaneously.

Cable Lock Compatibility

A cable lock can be threaded through the two Mounting Loops along the top of the Song Meter Mini 2 to keep it attached to a tree or structure.

The diameter of a cable lock must be narrower than 0.420 in. (10.67 mm) to fit through the two Mounting Loops.

Padlock Compatibility

A padlock can be inserted through the Padlock Loop to keep the enclosure latch closed.

The internal diameter of the Padlock Loop is 0.268 in. (6.81 mm). We recommend a padlock with a shackle diameter of 0.25 in. (6.35 mm) . This size does allow some movement of the latch, but not enough to compromise the IP67 weatherproof rating of the Song Meter Mini 2 enclosure.

Notice:

Do not use a padlock with a shackle thinner than 0.25 in. (6.35 mm). A thinner shackle will allow the latch to be undone partially or completely, allowing water to get in, or allowing the enclosure to be fully opened.

Note that damage to any part of the Song Meter Mini 2 's plastic enclosure can compromise the effectiveness of these security features. If your recorder has been damaged, contact Wildlife Acoustics Support to arrange a repair.

Optional Acoustic Microphone Port

The Song Meter Mini 2 has a port for an optional, second acoustic microphone. This allows for recording two channels of audio at once and provides redundancy in case one microphone is damaged.

The optional, second microphone can be installed on the right edge of the recorder. When the optional microphone is not installed, a plastic bolt and rubber gasket are used to seal the port.

For instructions on installing the optional acoustic microphone, see Install a Second Microphone.